I am a disabled person who relies on MusGo Rider for transportation to medical appointments and service dog training. Recently, I experienced a significant barrier to my accessibility needs; I was denied access to MusGo with my service dog because I raised a concern about a driver's inappropriate conduct. After months of using their service without incident, MusGo has now decided to restrict entry to only NS certified service dogs. This decision has left me stranded, as my dog is still in training and not yet certified.

Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, service dog teams should not be denied access to public or private transportation services. However, MusGo Rider and potentially other services choose to ignore this, leaving many disabled individuals without viable transportation options. My situation is not unique, and unless actions are taken, numerous people will continue to face similar discrimination.

Disabled individuals with service dogs play crucial roles in our community, and they deserve the right to access public and private transport systems without obstacles. This petition calls for all transportation services in Nova Scotia to align with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, ensuring that service dog teams, irrespective of certification status, are allowed to travel freely.

To make these necessary changes, we recommend creating robust guidelines that guarantee access for all service dogs in training and trained service dog teams. Such measures could involve clarity in policy language and training for drivers and staff to better understand and comply with human rights legislation.

Supporting inclusive policies for service dog teams promotes equality and accessibility within our community. By signing this petition, you are advocating for fair treatment and accessibility for all service dog users, pushing for legislative changes that reflect our commitment to inclusivity and equal rights in Nova Scotia.